Treatment for people addicted to hard drugs such as crack and cocaine is well below demand, according to a new report.

A survey published on Tuesday found the number of drug treatment services had increased by over a third since 1997 but two key problems needed to be tackled.

DrugScope, the UK's leading centre of drugs expertise, found the treatment available for the rising problem of stimulant drug addiction - such as crack and cocaine - does not meet demand.

Only 22 per cent of services are aimed at hard drug users addicted to class A drugs - known as primary stimulants - such as cocaine and heroin.

Help is only available at only one in five services in England.

The group's survey also found serious regional variation in the levels of treatment available.

It also found that since Labour came to power in 1997 the overall number of services have increased by 37 per cent and help focused on young people has grown by 69 per cent.

The survey came as part of the launch of a new directory, partly funded by the National Treatment Agency for Substance Misuse, for people working with drug users.

Helen Wilkinson of DrugScope said the gaps in provision needed to be urgently addressed.

"Most worryingly, the new directory highlights the continuing lack of treatment for drugs like crack and cocaine, a key barrier to addressing this growing problem," she said.

"We hope these new figures will encourage the government to redouble their efforts in this crucial area."